A GANG of nine Asian men who groomed white girls as young as 13 with drink and drugs received jail sentences of between 19 and four years today.

The men were convicted yesterday of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with children under the age of 16 and other offences.

Judge Gerald Clifton told them: "All of you treated (the victims) as though they were worthless and beyond any respect.

"One of the factors leading to that was the fact that they were not part of your community or religion.

"Some of you, when arrested, said it was triggered by race.

"That is nonsense. What triggered this prosecution was your lust and greed."

The Liverpool Crown Court hearing took place amid tight security with police standing guard in the courtroom and around the building amid fears of a large demonstration or disruption by far-right groups.

In the event around 20 BNP members gathered outside the court building holding placards and shouting towards television crews and press photographers.

All twelve members of the jury returned to court to hear the sentences passed today.